Today Douglas Black joins me and brings a taste of his new re-release, Who He Used to Be.

Blurb
When Jeff, the man Connor moved across an ocean to spend the rest of his life with, announces their relationship is no longer working, Connor is caught unawares. Without Jeff, Connor has no reason to stay in Florida, but he doesn’t want to return to Scotland.

An impromptu visit to a nightclub leads to Connor meeting Parker, a man nothing like clean-cut Jeff and a lot more like the bad-boys Connor used to go for back in Glasgow’s biker bars.

A one-night-stand becomes something more, but the two barely have any time together before Connor is hit by another bolt from the blue.

Jeff decides he wants Connor back, and his offer to start over means Connor has to make a decision. Return to the security of his relationship with Jeff, or jump in at the deep end with Parker and find out if he still remembers how to swim.

Excerpt

“Hey,” Connor said.

“You don’t look like you belong here.” The man’s voice was deep, and he spoke slowly, almost lazily. Connor liked that.

“I just got out of work.”

The man nodded and gestured to the bartender. A few moments later, another bottle of beer was placed in front of Connor along with a glass of coke. Judging by the easy smile on the man’s lips and his complete disregard for personal space, Connor was willing to bet the coke wasn’t virgin.

“And you thought instead of going home, you’d come here. Somewhere that’s not your usual hangout. Somewhere you’re unlikely to be caught…by your boyfriend?”

Connor laughed and picked up his drink. “Partly,” he said, holding the bottle close to his lips. “Except for the boyfriend part.”

The man nodded and let go of Connor’s shoulder. He took a long swig of his drink.

“Is that why you’re here? This doesn’t exactly look like your scene either.”

The man smirked. He bit his bottom lip. “I’m babysitting,” he said, nodding at the bottle-blond guy Connor had been staring at before.

Connor knew dreadlocks weren’t hereditary, but, “Your brother?”

“Cousin. He’s just moved here. I thought he might need a little supervision.”

“Looks like he’s got things covered.”

The man shrugged. “I’m Parker, by the way. I caught you checking him out. You didn’t look very impressed.”

Connor took another swig from his bottle of beer before moving a step closer to Parker. In those baggy jeans it was hard to tell, and Connor wanted to know if Parker was really interested. Connor made a move he hadn’t used in years and rubbed up against Parker’s groin, concealing his real intentions by whispering in Parker’s ear.

“He’s not my type. I prefer my men a little rough around the edges.”

Connor felt a rush of heat on his neck as Parker let out a breath that was too heavy to signify anything other than arousal.

Parker drained the contents of his glass before looking at Connor again stepped to the side, moving away from Connor, teasing as he pulled his lip between white teeth. Connor waited and Parker reached for him. He locked his fingers in the long hair tied in a ponytail at the nape of Connor’s neck. He pulled Connor towards him, making Connor close the distance between them again. Connor didn’t resist.

The first press of Parker’s lips against his own seemed to amplify the alcohol in Connor’s system. The banging base of the music melted to a thudding beat that dictated how Connor’s hips thrust against Parker’s, how their hands wound and pulled in each other’s hair. When Parker’s lips parted, Connor dived inside, wanting to lick away the taste of cheap bourbon to get right down to the taste of the man himself.

Parker’s hands left Connor’s hair and landed back on Connor’s hips. He moved Connor, rubbing their erections together until kissing was becoming damn near impossible. Connor kept pulling away to suck breath down into his lungs and Parker stole it from him every time he brought their lips back together.

“Jesus,” Parker said, breaking the kiss. He rested his forehead against Connor’s. Connor couldn’t take his eyes off the smile playing on Parker’s lips. “Where’d you learn to kiss like that?”

Connor laughed, still rocking his hips against Parker’s. “Glasgow. Heard of it?”

Parker nodded. “I’m going to have to add it to my list of places to visit.”

“Do that… but, not tonight.”

“No. I have other plans for tonight.”
~*~*~
Bio
Born and raised in bonnie Scotland, Douglas Black writes contemporary MM erotic romance. Welcome to your fantasy.
~*~*~
BUY:   Amazon   ARE    Smashwords 

Contact:   Blog   Facebook   Twitter

The Boys of Summer--Just in Time For Christmas!

Today the lovely and talented Sarah Madison is here to answer questions and talk about her rerelease, The Boys of Summer.

Why write M/M romance?

I’ve thought about this question a lot, and have written extensively about it in the past. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that when I was growing up, men had all the best roles. They got the best lines, the best parts, and they got to have the most fun! I never wanted to be Jane during role play—I wanted to be Tarzan!

As I got older, despite secretly pining for romances, I could never identify with the heroines I was offered. I liked pretty things but I didn’t like waiting around to be rescued by the hero. I wasn’t afraid to get dirty. I liked sex and didn’t think I should have to wait for a declaration of marriage or true love. I hated seeing the typical heroine become Too Stupid To Live as soon as she met the hero. I disliked the frank inequality I saw between the heroes and heroines in their interactions.

When I discovered M/M romance, for the first time I felt as though I’d discovered adult romance written just for me. I can’t tell you how huge that was. The main characters met on equal terms—and took turns rescuing each other. They both got to have the best lines and the fun parts. And best of all, the sex was unapologetic and hot.

The longer I do this, the more I realize I owe it to my childhood self to take a crack at creating a heroine I can admire. One that won’t make me roll my eyes three pages into the story. I recognize however, that because she will break the rules, she’ll likely be unpopular. That’s okay. I have to try. In the meantime, I enjoy M/M romance.

What subgenre is your favorite?  I’m a real sucker for mysteries, with sci-fi/fantasy coming in a close second.

What Star Wars character would your lead character choose to be? Han Solo, of course! Wouldn’t they all?

 

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Finding the energy to write after a long day at work. My job is extremely rewarding, but it can be emotionally and physically challenging too. Many days I plan in my head what I’m going to write when I get home, only to be too tired to do so when I finally walk in the door. I get frustrated sometimes because if I don’t write every day, it takes me a long time to get my head back into a story when I do pick it up again. As it is, I tend not to be as fast a writer as some—and I hate the idea I might be disappointing readers because I’m so slow at times.

 

What three essentials must you have in your writing room? A cup of tea, warm hands, and some uninterrupted time.

 

Blurb for The Boys of Summer:

David McIntyre has been enjoying the heck out of his current assignment: touring the Hawaiian Islands in search of the ideal shooting locations for a series of film company projects. What’s not to like? Stunning scenery, great food, sunny beaches… and a secret crush on Rick Sutton, the hot, ex-Air Force pilot who is flying him around.

Everything changes when a tropical storm and engine failure force a crash landing on a deserted atoll with a WWII listening post. Rick’s injuries, and a lack of food and water, mean David has to step up to the plate and play hero. While his days are spent fighting for survival, and his nights are filled with worrying about Rick, the two men grow closer. David’s research for his next movie becomes intertwined with his worst fears, and events on the island result in a vivid dream about the Battle of Britain. On waking, David realizes Rick is more than just a pilot to him. The obstacles that prevented a happy ending in 1940 aren’t present today, and David vows that if they survive this stranding, he will tell Rick how he feels.

Excerpt:

“I don’t think we’ve got much choice.” Sutton’s voice was grim. “We’re lucky to have that much. Hold on, these trees are coming up faster than I’d like.”

Still fighting to keep the nose of the plane up, Sutton guided the recalcitrant aircraft toward the so-called clearing, the ground rising up to meet them far faster than was comfortable. David found himself leaning back in his seat, bracing his hands on the console as the tops of trees scraped the underside of the plane. Branches swiped at the windshield, and David had the sudden impression of being in a car wash scene as written by Stephen King.

“Duck your head!” Sutton barked. “Wrap your arms around your legs!”

“And kiss my ass goodbye?” David shouted, raising his voice over the increasing noise as he obeyed Sutton’s orders.

Incredibly, Sutton laughed. It was an oddly comforting sound. Like everything was somehow going to be all right because Sutton was at the controls.

The moment of humor was gone in a flash. The plane screamed with the sound of tearing metal and the sharp, explosive crack of tree limbs and breaking glass. David kept his head down and his eyes closed, praying to a God he was pretty sure had more important things to do than to keep up with the well-being of one David McIntyre. There was a moment of eerie, blessed silence, and for an instant, the assault on the plane seemed as though it had lifted.

Someone had left the window open and it was raining on him. How incredibly annoying. He shifted, intent on reaching for the offending window, when a jolt of pain ran through his shoulder, and he gasped. When he opened his eyes, nothing made any sense at first. Then he remembered the crash, and realized that his side of the plane was pointing up at the sky. The rain was coming down in a steady stream through the broken windshield. The sound of the rain on the metal hull of the plane was nearly deafening.

He winced at the pain in his neck when he turned to look over at the pilot’s seat. Sutton was slumped to one side in his chair, unmoving. His sunglasses were hanging off one ear.

“Oh God, oh God, oh God,” David murmured, hastily undoing his seatbelt so he could reach across to Sutton. His skin was cold and damp where David touched it, and adrenaline pounded through David’s veins as though he could jumpstart Sutton’s heart by sending his own pulse beating through his fingertips. “Sutton! Rick!”

David fought to free himself of his seat, twisting for greater access to the other side of the cockpit. When the seatbelt came open, he fell half across Sutton. Sprawled practically in his lap, David could now see the nasty cut on the left side of Sutton’s temple. The pilot’s side of the plane had taken a lot of damage, and David yelped as he encountered a sliver of glass. Bits of the windshield and console were scattered like confetti over Sutton’s jacket. “Sutton!” The lack of response was unnerving. He tossed aside the sunglasses and worked a hand down into Sutton’s collar, feeling frantically for a pulse.

He could have kissed the man when Sutton suddenly groaned.

~*~*~

BUY: Dreamspinner   Amazon   B&N   All Romance E-books

 

BIO:

Sarah Madison is a writer with a big dog, an even bigger horse, too many cats, and a very patient boyfriend. She is a terrible cook, and concedes that her life would be easier if Purina made People Chow. She writes because it is cheaper than therapy.

Sarah was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards and is the winner of Best M/M Romance in the 2013 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Awards for The Boys of Summer. The Sixth Sense series was awarded 2nd place for Best M/M Mystery Series in the 2014 PRG’s Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Walk a Mile (Sixth Sense series Book 2) was a finalist in the 2015 Rainbow Awards.

CONTACT: Website  Twitter  Facebook 

 

 

My Sexy Saturday #74: New Year's With Cobey and Michael from Artistic Endeavor

Welcome to the blog of Whitley Gray—cops and doctors in hot water. And My Sexy Saturday! Here are seven paragraphs from the book Artistic Endeavor—the new bonus scenes that take place on New Year’s Eve.

Artistic Endeavor—previously available as part of the Campus Cravings anthology—is now available now as a standalone. The book has added bonus scenes. Here’s Michael and Cobey after the strike of midnight…

“Oh my God, Michael.” Cobey turned in a circle, taking in the room. Rich carpet in warm colors, a sitting area with a couch and chairs covered in indigo velvet, and a picture window with a view of the river, sparkling with lights in a spectrum from white to gold to blue. Taking center stage in the room was a king-sized bed. The creamy sheets were turned down, and a foil-covered chocolate sat on each pillow. The whole place smelled of cinnamon and pine.

“Like it?” Michael hugged him from behind.

Cobey turned to face him and wound his arms around Michael’s neck. “I love it. But you shouldn’t have.”

“Anything for you.” Michael’s smile gleamed in the low light. “Champagne?”

There had been champagne downstairs, too. “Maybe just one glass.”

Michael kissed him on the neck and pulled Cobey toward the sofa. The bubbly sat in an ice bucket, uncorked and ready to go—just like in the movies. Michael poured half a flute for each of them and handed one glass to Cobey.

“To us.” Michael’s voice had gotten a bit rough. “May this New Year’s Eve be the first of many.”

“To us.” What else could he say? “You are the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Michael’s blue eyes crinkled. “Ditto.”

Cobey clinked his glass against Michael’s with a musical ching. They locked gazes and each took a sip. The bubbles tickled Cobey’s tongue, but Michael’s frank gaze had tickled lower parts. Sensitive parts. Cobey set his champagne on the table. “I…I’d like to try out the bed now.”

~*~

Buy: Amazon   ARE

 

Whitley Gray

www.whitleygray.com

LINK BACK to My Sexy Saturday for more great snippets!

 

 

 

 

 

Switching Leads and Mia Downing

I was a little nervous to write for the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning series when invited. Though I love writing male/male romance, my characters are usually older than college age, and I had no clue what college aspect to add to make my story unique. I had considered writing about since my son plays. Then I realized I could write about horses and a college riding team, both aspects I know a lot about!

I used to be a riding instructor, and I’ve actually taught for a few colleges. I called a friend who is now an assistant coach for a college in Virginia, and we hashed out scenarios, conflicts. She gave me the inside scoop on the inner workings and drama of a riding team. I remember being so excited when I got off the phone with her, knowing I had the makings for a really special novella.

The last portions of conflict for my heroes were personal and didn’t need much research. Finn is a former alcoholic, and I have a lot of those in my family. John’s mother’s Alzheimer’s was painfully easy to include since I have experience with that disease as well.

I hope blending aspects I know from life and work experience help to make Switching Leads a realistic and satisfying read you’ll enjoy. Thanks for stopping by.

Blurb:

Coach John Graham needs a new assistant coach for Cathia U's equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life?

Finn has had a hell of a bad year, ending with a horrible riding accident. Instead of looking forward to winter in sunny Florida training horses for the show circuit, he ends up going home to snowy Cathia, NY to heal, physically and emotionally. He'll endure John's frosty reception if it means he'll get what he wants most. He’s used to taking the reins…for love will he switch leads?

 

Buy:  Amazon 

 

Bio:

Mia Downing started creating heroes at age four, but her heroes back then rode ponies to rescue those in need and only kissed her on the cheek. Today, Mia's heroes still rescue those in need, but the price of their toys and the expertise of their seduction leads to a whole lot more. When Mia isn't busy creating new stories for her readers she fills in as an underwear model for a prestigious lingerie company. She also lives in New England with her family, and enjoys horses and knitting.

 

Release Day!

Artistic Endeavor comes out today as a stand alone--with bonus material!
Today I'll be at J.P. Barnaby's blog. Drop by and register for the Rafflecopter giveaway.

Check out Artistic Endeavor on Amazon.

The Artistic Endeavor Blog Tour Continues...

The Artistic Endeavor blog tour is at Hearts on Fire Reviews today. Check out the excerpt and the Rafflecopter giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow's stop: JP Barnaby!

Here's What's on the Blog Tour Schedule

The blog tour for Artistic Endeavor kicks off today. Here's what's going on this week:
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Week 1: Jan 5th – Joyfully Jay
Jan 6th – Hearts on Fire
Jan 7th – J. P. Barnaby
Jan 8th – MM Good Book Reviews
                Andrew Q. Gordon
Jan 9th – The Novel Approach

There will be more stops over the next month! Prizes galore.

Sneak Peek--the Brand New Bonus Material in Artistic Endeavor

On Wednesday, Artistic Endeavor will release as a standalone. There's a bonus of 3600 words. You may have seen the first part of Cobey and Michael's New Year's Eve, but no one has seen what happens on the other side of Midnight. Here's a taste of Happy New Year!

“Oh my God, Michael.” Cobey turned in a circle, taking in the room. Rich carpet in warm colors, a sitting area with a couch and chairs covered in indigo velvet, and a picture window with a view of the river, sparkling with lights in a spectrum from white to gold to blue. Taking center stage in the room was a king-sized bed. The creamy sheets were turned down, and a foil-covered chocolate sat on each pillow. The whole place smelled of cinnamon and pine.

“Like it?” Michael hugged him from behind.

Cobey turned to face him and wound his arms around Michael’s neck. “I love it. But you shouldn’t have.”

“Anything for you.” Michael’s smile gleamed in the low light. “Champagne?”

There had been champagne downstairs, too. “Maybe just one glass.”

Michael kissed him on the neck and pulled Cobey toward the sofa. The bubbly sat in an ice bucket, uncorked and ready to go—just like in the movies. Michael poured half a flute for each of them and handed one glass to Cobey.

“To us.” Michael’s voice had gotten a bit rough. “May this New Year’s Eve be the first of many.”

“To us.” What else could he say? “You are the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Michael’s blue eyes crinkled. “Ditto.”

Cobey clinked his glass against Michael’s with a musical ching. They locked gazes and each took a sip. The bubbles tickled Cobey’s tongue, but Michael’s frank gaze had tickled lower parts. Sensitive parts. Cobey set his champagne on the table. “I…I’d like to try out the bed now.”

~*~

 

Want to see what happens next? Check out Artistic Endeavor on January 7th. It's available for preorder at Amazon and ARE .